12 Important Tips You Should Know Before Your Tummy Tuck

By on June 28, 2018 under Uncategorized

The decision to have a tummy tuck is a big one, and an exciting one. Before you make the final decision, ensure you are armed with all the facts you need. Here is a collection of the best tips, advice and information for anyone considering a tummy tuck.

  1. Determine if you are a good candidate for the tummy tuck procedure. Your surgeon will examine the condition of the skin and tissue on your abdomen to determine if a tummy tuck can deliver the results you are looking for.
  2. Ask if you will need drains after surgery. Many patients are reluctant to have a tummy tuck because they are worried about wearing uncomfortable surgical drains. Some surgeons have developed new techniques that allow for a drain-free tummy tuck.
  3. The official name for a tummy tuck is Abdominoplasty; when researching, you may come across the term multiple times.
  4. When doing your research, ask your surgeon how many tummy tucks they have performed in their career and specifically over the last 12 months. Getting a feel for their experience is important. Dr. Mulholland, Tummy Tuck surgeon in Toronto, recommends patients to meet their surgeon and get a feel for the staff when going in for a consultation. Building a rapport and confidence is vital for your comfort when going forward with your surgery.
  5. Be sure to check out before and after photos to get a feel for your surgeon’s work.
  6. Ask your surgeon how many revisions they have performed. There are extenuating circumstances, so revisions do happen, however a high rate of revisions is likely indicative of a problem.
  7. Discuss the placement of your incisions during your consult, a good surgeon will be able to find the best ways to hide incisions and minimize their appearance.
  8. Discuss your goals and expectations, you need to learn what is realistic and ensure you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.
  9. Discuss medications, including any recreational drugs, with your surgeon. Be sure to ask about interactions between your medications and the anesthesia. Learn what medications need to be stopped before the surgery and how you handle your meds the day of.
  10. Discuss after care, follow up visits and what support they provide. Learn what options you have for emergencies after hours.
  11. Discuss recovery and understand how long you will have restrictions and when your swelling and/or bruising will subside.
  12. Learn about the different types of tummy tucks. Complete or traditional tummy tuck treat the entire abdomen by using a large hip-to-hip incision and another incision around the navel. Patients who require significant fat removal and restructuring of the abdominal wall need this type of tummy tuck. A Partial or mini tummy tuck treats only the lower part of the abdomen below the navel using small incisions. This type of tummy tuck is appropriate for patients who suffer mainly from loose abdominal skin and excess fat that is concentrated below the navel.

Even when you have gathered information online, you still want to talk to your doctor about these issues and be sure you understand the information.


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